Liz Schmidt | Executive Director and Business Partner

andrea tagliaferro
Jun 23
2 min read

Liz Schmidt is a seasoned leader with over 17 years of experience across the nonprofit and maritime industries. She is the Executive Director of Women Offshore Foundation and Captain Sandy’s Charities, and a Business Partner and Director of Operations at Shipyard Supply USA. Through these roles, Liz champions workforce development, operational excellence, and advocacy for diversity in the marine sector.

A lifelong boating enthusiast, Liz began her maritime journey working at a family-run marina before expanding her expertise in Fort Lauderdale, the yachting capital of the world. Over the years, she progressed from logistics and order fulfillment at Shipyard Supply USA to overseeing operations, product development, and custom mooring solutions for yachts over 30 meters. She also holds a USCG Captain’s License and has worked as a professional captain on local vessels.

Her nonprofit work is centered on promoting career pathways in the marine industry. At Women Offshore, she leads initiatives to support and retain women working offshore and on deck through mentorship, safe and inclusive workplace advocacy, and professional development. At Captain Sandy’s Charities, she focuses on early career exposure, working with educators and communities to introduce students to both shoreside and offshore maritime opportunities.

Liz is also the founder of Aboveboard Consulting, a firm specializing in maritime and nonprofit management, offering strategic planning, marketing, business development, and fractional leadership to mission-driven organizations.

Her volunteer work includes serving as a board member and treasurer of The Local Octopus Foundation and as a founding board member of WaterSmart FL, Florida’s drowning prevention task force. She also contributes nationally as part of the U.S. National Water Safety Plan’s Lifejacket Working Group.

Previously, Liz held roles with the American Red Cross in Service to Armed Forces and disaster response, and with the YMCA, where she led statewide water safety programming.

Liz is currently leading the planning of the 7th Annual Women Offshore Conference and several global boat show activations. She is also launching Beyond the Docks, an educational YouTube channel showcasing diverse maritime careers.

When she’s not working, Liz enjoys traveling and boating—whether around the globe or along the scenic waterways of her hometown, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.